The talk of management isn't easy. Here are three especially difficult conversations to be prepared for: the poor performance discussion, the no-raise-for-you discussion, and the we're-having-layoffs discussion. Business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist Linnda Durre, PhD, of Winter Park, FL, outlines what to say, and what not to say, to get the message … [Read more...] about How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
Employee benefits
Medical leave gets formal for 50 employees and up
By Steve M. Cohen bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor’s orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their practice, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by … [Read more...] about Medical leave gets formal for 50 employees and up
PTO gives unquestioned days off plus a bank for catastrophes
The standard days-off policy has two downfalls, says the office manager of a six-physician, 16-staff office in North Carolina. One is that it isn’t fair, because some people abuse the sick leave and turn it into extra vacation days. The other is that keeping track of how long each person has been out and for what is a nightmare. So the office manager moved to a paid-time-off … [Read more...] about PTO gives unquestioned days off plus a bank for catastrophes
How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
"I'm having a baby!" When an employee utters those words, it's time for congratulations. It's also time for caution. The danger is pregnancy discrimination, and it happens often because employees are well attuned to their rights. The protection comes from the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It applies to offices with 15 … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
No training budget? No problem!
By Steve M. Cohen bio Whatever happened to the training budgets? Oh, I forgot—it's the economy, stupid! But even in the current climate, don't forget that employees still have the need for training. Training can be related to, and even intertwined with, good morale, professional development, and team building. In fact, team learning is team building. No one disputes … [Read more...] about No training budget? No problem!
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Why you need this checklist: The numerous provisions and requirements of the ACA can be overwhelming for employers. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you understand and manage employee benefits requirements. How to use this checklist: Refer to this checklist as needed to comply with ACA employee benefits requirements. … [Read more...] about Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Same-sex marriage ruling brings in new legal issues
Plus new emphasis on discrimination Though it applies only to states where same-sex marriage is legal, the recent Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage warrants attention from managers in all states. For those in Washington, DC, and the 13 states where gay marriage is recognized, there are new employment law requirements. For those in all the other states, the ruling calls for … [Read more...] about Same-sex marriage ruling brings in new legal issues